Native English speaker with Business English TEFL Diploma (300hrs) with experience in coaching business leaders.

My experience, thus far, has revolved around advising businesses as a coach rather than teaching English. I developed a love of writing as a Sport's administrator and had many articles published. It was a complimentary and natural progression to teach English as a foreign language.

It's essential to get to know students' goals and interests before planning a syllabus. At this stage each student will be in a position to supply material for the lessons and by knowing the learners' interests the teacher can personalise their tasks making them relevant and interesting. It is at this early stage that the teacher can concentrate on the skills that will be of most benefit to the learners. We refer to this process as a 'needs analysis' and it is something that the student should be asked to complete before anything else.

While teaching the basics of the language it is rewarding to introduce learners to authentic material that will be of benefit to them in their life and careers. This material is available in the student's native tongue and will make the learning of the same vocabulary in English that much easier.

I am interested in the lexical unit approach where it is recognised that English is made up of words, chunks formed by collocations and fixed phrases. This is an 'efficient' way of teaching the language to adults who have limited time to devote to their studies. It helps with fluency and is especially relevant when teaching speaking and listening skills.

To be a successful Business English teacher it is important to be invested in the learner's business as much as their language needs.